Machine installation for forming on successive fields of continuous flexible ribbon complemental parts of decorative patterns

ABSTRACT

A machine installation providing a plurality of machines arranged in series and having operating cycles for producing complemental parts, respectively, of decorative patterns on therewith registering fields of a continuous flexible longitudinal ribbon, and endless conveyor chain means releasably holding longitudinally extended ribbon at its opposite side margins and taut across its width, and operative between successive operating cycles of the machines to step successive ribbon fields into register with the respective machines.

United States Patent Reich 15] 3,690,273 [451' Sept. 12, 1972 [54] MACHINE INSTALLATION FOR FORMING ON SUCCESSIVE FIELDS OF CONTINUOUS FLEXIBLE RIBBON COMPLEMENTAL PARTS OF DECORATIVE PATTERNS [72] Inventor: Rudolph Reich, An der Ringstr.

545 Neuwied, Germany [22] Filed: Aug. 26, 1970 [21] Appl. No.2 66,959

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Aug. 27, 1969 Germany ..P 19 43 456.1

[52] US. Cl ..112/12L1l, 112/90 [51] Int. Cl. ..D05b- 19/00 [58] Fieldof Search ..112/l21.1.1,121.12, 121.29, 112/203, 118,262, 83, 84, 85, 86, 78, 89, 90; 198/82, 108, 102, 129, 180; 271/75, 78,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,580,198 5/1971 Teed etal ..ll2/l2l.ll 3,329,116 7/1967 Attwood et a1. ..112/203 X 1,172,074

2/1916 Townes ..198/180X 1,642,437 9/1927 Jones ..198/ 129 X 1,997,267 4/ 1935 Remington ..198/180 X 1,107,622 8/1914 Lassig ..112/89 2,528,392 10/1950 Self ..112/86 X 2,253,380 8/1941 Knowland et a1 ..112/90 1,027,789 5/1912 Zahn ..112/85 2,649,065 8/1953 Casper ..112/84 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 587,801 5/1947 Great Britain ..112/118 Primary Examiner-James R. Boler Att0rneyWalter Spruegel [57] ABSTRACT A machine installation providing a plurality of machines arranged in series and having operating cycles for producing complemental parts, respectively, of decorative patterns on therewith registering fields of a continuous flexible longitudinal ribbon, and endless conveyor chain means releasably holding 1ongitudinally extended ribbon at its opposite side margins and taut across its width, and operative between successive operating cycles of the machines 'to'step successive ribbon fields into register with the respective machines.

11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEP 12 1972 Y 3.690.273

SHEEI 2 [IF 7 PATENTEDSEP 12 1912 sum 3 0r 7 llllllll] llllll!llllll PATENTEDSEP 12 m2 3 690.273 sum u er 7 PATEN'IEUsmz m2 3690273 sum 5 or 7 INVENTOR B11605 Feat/7 Y MACHINE INSTALLATION FOR FORMING ON SUCCESSIVE FIELDS F CONTINUOUS FLEXIBLE RIBBON COMPLEMENTAL PARTS OF DECORATIVE PATTERNS The invention relates to. a machine installation for preparing decorated shapes on a ribbon of flexible material which can be rolled up. What is meant by a ribbon of material is aribbon of a synthetic material, or a ribbon of paper or of metal' foil, for example aluminum foil. I 'By decorated shapes are meant shaped areas decorated by embroidering or printing, if desired containing. apertures. The decorated shapes can be intended for marketing as they are, for example as tablecloths, or they can be intended as parts of a final product which can, for example, be a ladys undergarment or smock.

In the garment industry ladies undergarments, for example, are .usually manufactured in a number of successive manufacturing steps, involving-the use of several. machines performing different operations, for

completing a single article: Most'of the machines perform several operations, but each machine is usually designed as an independent operating machine.

In the operationof a succession of such machines it is necessary to control the travelling ribbon of material, inthe .warp and weft directions or longitudinally and widthwise. In particular the middle part of a ribbon of soft material must be controlled. Adequate control must be provided in the application of processing substances, and for the movements'of the ribbon through thesuccessive machines, toagree with the operations performed by the machines. The object of the present invention is to provide means for preparing and cutting out decorated shapes from a'ribbon of flexible material in such a way that, starting out from the raw, undecorated ribbon, the material is decorated and processed by an integrated series of operations, the decorated shapes being finally cut out, in a continuation of the same integrated operations, ready for saleor for assembly to form the finished products. The problem is" solved by the invention in that the ribbon of material is conveyed stepwise successively through all the machines, which are arranged in a series, i.e., positioned one after the other to form a train of machines, in such a way that each time their operating cycles are concluded the decorated shapes are positioned accurately in all the machines, all of which are controlled, centrally or individually, by a single type of punched card. In the operation of the machines it is very important to ensure that at each conclusion of the operating cycles of the machines the ribbon of material is advanced into its next position in such a way that each field of the ribbon becomes positioned accurately in the next machine, so that the machine operates on the material precisely at the correct locations on the material.

In the operation of the train of machines, all of them must be controlled by the same punched card timing code, and each initially embroidered ribbon field, for example, must be accurately p positioned in each successive machine, and must rest fiat and true in the machine, without any distortion of the material.

action of the embroidering machine. The embroidering threadtends to pull the material together, causing the middle of the ribbon to bend, forming half-moon and lane distortions. To prevent these distortions it is proposed according to, the invention to stiffen the material before it enters-the first processing machine, for example an embroidering machine or a printing machine, the stiffening substance being preferably 1 bon passes and is held at the leading'and trailing edges of each such'ribbon field. Combined action ofthe stiffening-and the clamping arrangements ensures that the ribbon is not distorted in any field.

To ensure accurate positioning or register of the ribbon fields in the successive machines, it is necessary to convey the ribbon through the train of machines by means of a continuous conveyor chain system controlled by a punched card. The conveying chains are equipped with needle clamps which grip the two side edges of the ribbon, tightening the ribbon laterally. If desired, the continuous conveyor chain system can consist of a single, endless conveyor chain, or pair of chains, arranged in such a way that all the ribbon fields are moved intermittently but synchronously from each machine to the next, all the ribbon fields being brought to a stop simultaneously, with each ribbon field positioned accurately in its particular processing machine. The entire system is controlled by a central punched card. Alternatively, the machines can, if desired, be controlled in groups, each controlled by a replica or duplicate punched card. However, the control of the entire system is greatly simplified by using only a singletype of punched card.

' On the other hand, if desired, the conveyor chain storage device, preferably capable of storing a considerable length of ribbon in the form of serpentine loops. This is necessary in particular so that a considerable length of stored ribbon can be conveyed through the downstream machines comparatively rapidly, to prevent undesired hardening of applied substances and deposition of substances in excessive quantities. The arrangement also allows the composition of the machine train to be modified from time to time, to suit particular processing requirements.

To obtain the desired flexibility of operation there are interposed between the individual machines ribbon transfer feeders. These feeders can be installed where ever they are required in the machine train. A transfer feeder receives the ribbon emerging from the fundamental processing machine, for example from the embroidering machine, and transfers it to the storage device downstream of the embroidering machine. A second transfer feeder receives the ribbon from the storage device and transfers it, precisely positioned in regard to warp, weft and ribbon middle, to the next downstream processing machine.

The movement of the ribbon through the entire train of machines can be precisely controlled by a system of photocells, and if desired the final, accurate positioning can be effected manually, by means of ratchet adjusters of known kind.

If a storage device is installed downstream of an embroidering machine, all the machines further downstream must be controlled .by means of at least one duplicate punched card. l

In orderto shorten the period of time required for the embroidering machine to complete its operations, the drilling and punchingtools which are usually installed in the embroidering machine are removed and installed in a separate, downstream drilling and punching machine.

This separation of the drilling and punching tools from the embroidering machine saves a great deal of processing time, increasing the output of the entire machine train. The separation also provides the additional advantage that more space is available for accommodating the drilling and punching tools and consequently these tools can be made to perform a greater variety of operations in addition to forming the customary drilled pattern parts. The drilling and punching tools can be installed in an independent machine.

As an example of a machine train constructed in this way, the fundamental processing machine, in the form of an embroidering machine, can be followed downstream by at least one storage device, a drilling and punching machine, a machine for applying color and dressing, a repairing machine, an etching machine, a printing machine, a bonding machine, a machine for cutting off ribbon, a machine for cutting out decorated shapes, an inspection table and a measuring device, the arrangement allowing a flexible modification of the composition of the machine train to suit particular operating requirements. For example if a machine is not required in the train it can easily be removed or bypassed.

In further development of the invention, there can be used in the drilling and punching machine, for forming performations in the ribbon, rotary, heated drills, which can be cylindrical or conical in shape. These drills form the perforations, expelling the waste material by a punching action and weld the edges of the hole by a rotary action. The conical drill allows the size of the hole to be varied indefinitely.

Alternatively, if desired, instead of drills, the drilling and punching machine can contain a device for evaporating ribbon material by means of visible light, for forming the holes. For example a laser beam can be used, or a quartz halogen lamp. Furthermore, if desired, the hole-forming tools can be grouped, for example, to form in the ribbon clusters of holes of different diameters, for new decorative effects.

If evaporation of material is used, a vacuum cleaner must be provided for removing the particles of material.

The punching tools must be rotary, so as to smoothen the edges of the holes. Particularly when working with synthetic materials, the formation of edge crusts must be prevented, or the crusts must be removed. The punching tools should be surrounded by a jacket, the space between each tool and jacket containing nozzles for discharging colored substances, to give the holes colored edges.

Instead of the usual drill, there can be used, for certain purposes, a square drill of known kind. As a still further alternative, there can be used instead of drills in the drilling and punching machine, very fat needles which separate the weft and warp in the material, for example for producing the known Toledo effect.

The dressing machine installed downstream of the drilling and punching machine is equipped with tubes containing spray nozzles, and heating devices which act as dryers, for contactless application of dressing substances and colored substances for decorating the embroidered surfaces.

The nozzles, or entire tubes, can be electrically controlled, so that the ribbon of material can be colored and dressed on the basis of a preset program, to show desired decorative effects.

The depths of penetration of the colored substances can be adjusted by adjusting the spray pressure. The colored substances, or dyes, are subsequently fixed by means of heating devices of known kind.

The individual spray tubes are arranged so that they can be activated and inactivated in a variable sequence, to give the desired decorative effects.

The dressing machine can be used for coloring and dressing flat material, or alternatively for decorating embroidered surfaces.

In the repairing machine, the ribbon of material is held in a frame, where it can be improved by means of spray pistols and by a flexibly mounted simple sewing machine, to remove soiled patches and if necessary for repairing incorrectly embroidered or not embroidered areas. The location where the repairing machine is installed in the machine train depends on the particular requirements.

In regard to the etching machine, the purpose of this is to apply a wet or dry chemical etching agent, for removing ribbon material between the embroidered areas, these areas not being attacked by the etching substance because they have a different fiber structure. Alternatively the etching machine can be constructed in such a way that only particular areas of the ribbon material are etched, the other areas remaining untouched.

The printing machine, which is installed in the machine train at the desired location, depending on the particular process, has a printing frame corresponding to the embroidering frame. The printing can be effected by either of two alternative methods. By the first method a number of electrically controlled nozzles of very small diameter apply the color according to a predetermined program. This method allows up to ten different colors to be injected under controllable pressure to the desired depths into the ribbon material. In this way, a ribbon of sized material can, if desired, have its entire tint changed, or a complex pattern can be created involving embroidery and printing. A wide variety of decorative effects can be produced in one pass throughthe machine train.

Alternatively, printing can be applied by a thermoprinting method, orhot transfer method, in which a sheet of paper coated with special coloring substances is applied to the surface of the ribbon ofmaterial. A heated printing platen is then swung into contact with the paper, so that the coloring substances are transferred from the paper to the ribbon of material. The sheet of paper can be as wide as as the ribbon, or if desired it can be only as wide as the particular. shaped parts which are to'be printed, for example, in the case of :bathing'suits a combination of embroidery with printing can be obtained on a single piece.

The printing machine can be equipped with a heating arrangement for fixing and drying the printed area, or a drying device can be installed downstream of .the printing machine. j

In a further development of the inventionthere is installed, downstream of the printing machine, a bonding machine in which a second ribbon of material is applied to the under surface of the first ribbon to form a backing or reinforcement, for example for the brassierre part of a ladys undergarment.

In further development of the invention, for example forus e in the production of decorated ribbon material which is ultimately sold by the yard, the machine series or train can contain a ribbon inspection machine for detecting and marking faults.

ments on the basis of a preset program so that it cuts out the shaped pieces along their outlines, which are in the form of lines that do not cross each other. Alternatively, the entire frame can move relative to stationary cutters. There can, if desired, be as many cutters as there are shaped pieces in a transverse row of the field. The cut shaped pieces produced in this way can be applied without any further edge processing.

For example, the cut-out shaped pieces can subsequently be sewn together for making up an article of clothing, for example a ladys undergarrnent. On the other hand, theproduct can, if desired,'take the form of shaped parts which are themselvesfinished products and require no further processing, for example tablecloths, covers or the like. I

From the cutting machine the products are delivered toa conveyor belt.

The operational flexibilityof the new machine train in'the respect of its ready. modification by ch'angi'ngthe sequence of machines, makes it possible to adapt the manufacturing sequence readily to suit I particular requirements. The, machine train is suitable for a high On the other hand, the machine train can be used for manufacturing" shaped parts or individual ribbon of limited width. In the manufacture of ribbon, the individual ribbons are separated from the main ribbon by pulling the separation threads out of the main ribbon and'attaching them to a winding board. Rotation of the winding board causes the individual ribbons to separate from each other due to the special arrangement of the threads in the embroidered ribbon.

' The individual ribbons are immediately coiled, on paper strips or the.like, by a coiling machine, allowing the entire process to proceed continuously over the whole length of the machine train whereas hitherto a manufacturing process of this kind has been conducted in a series of discontinuous steps.

If the ribbon of material has to be cut off to form individual sheets or panels, the machine train contains a cutting frame equipped with an auxiliary cut-off device which cuts the ribbon into predetermined lengths. The cutting can be effected by mechanical, chemical, thermal or visible light methods. The cutting operations are controlled by the punched card, which directly controls either the cutting frame or the cutting devices. The completed lengths are coiled and measured and conveyed further either for dispatch to the customer or for further processing, for example in a sewing machine.

In a further development of the invention intended in particular for the manufacture of shaped parts, the machine train contains a machine for cutting out the decorated, for example embroidered, shaped parts from the ribbon by mechanical, thermal or visible light means. The preferred type of cutter is a thermostatic device which uses an electrically heated, vertically oscillating'needle. The needle is guided in its movedegree of automation so that the entire production process is simplified. Production costs are lowered, time is saved, and requirements are reduced in regard to personnel and space occupied. The quality of the product is improved, because the machine train operates-by the method of continuous flow, giving the highest possible degree of precision all through the manufacturing process. r Y

The invention can be applied in a wide field of the textile industry, for example in the manufacture of embroidered and lacework goods of all kinds, in ribbon form or as shaped pieces. However, the invention is not limited in its application to the processing of textiles, but can be applied in the processing of synthetic plastic ribbon and foil. i I

Furthermore the invention is not limited to installation on one floor, that is to say it can be applied in the form of a machine train distributed over several floors, the ribbon of material travelling from floor to floor without interruption of the machine train.

The arrangement of ribbon transfer feeders, according to one aspect of the invention, allows the ribbon of material to be transferred from one processing machine to another without changing the warp and weft tensions. In particular, this allows transfer of the ribbon between two machines which operate at widely differing speeds.

In the machine train there can be included, suitably arranged in the desired sequence, all the processing machines which are necessary for manufacturing the finished product.

Further objects and advantages will appear to those skilled in the art from the following, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 represents an embroidering field containing over its entire width bust exemplary parts for an undergarment; and

FIG. 3 shows an embroidering field containing exemplary embroidered upper parts for ladies undergarments.

The exemplary machine train shown in FIGS. la to ldcontains an embroidering machine 1, which in this instance is the primary processing machine. Behind the embroidering machine 1- are arranged a drilling and punching machine 3, a repairing machine 4, a printing machine 5, with a dryer a a finishing machine 6, a dressing machine 12, an etching machine 13, a bonding machine 14, and a cutting machine 7 for the ribbon of material or for shaped parts thereof. Upstream of the embroidering machine 1, there is provided in this in stance a spraying device 9 with spray nozzles, followed by a dryer 10. Before the ribbon of material is fed into the embroidering machine 1, it is first sprayed with a dressing or stiffening size over its entire width by-the spraying device 9, and dried by the dryer 10. Consequently, the ribbon of material entering the embroidering machine has a considerable degree of stiffness.

The embroidered ribbon rof material leaves the embroidering machine intermittently, and is conveyed through all the subsequent machines in the same intermittent rhythm. To operate the system in this way, it is necessary that each time a new ribbon field is fed or stepped into register with the embroidering machine, already embroidered ribbon fields are simultaneously fed into register with all the subsequent machines, each embroidered ribbon field being accurately adjusted in position in the particular processing machine.

This mode of operation, in which the ribbon is intermittently advanced simultaneously through the entire train of machines, all the way to the cutting machine 7 which is the last machine in the train, permits control of all the machines by a single,.centrally located punched card, the punched card having several columns, one for each machine.

However, in view of the fact that an embroidering machine has an operating cycle of longer duration, i.e., takes longer to perform its operations on a ribbon field, than most of the other processing machines, it is preferable to put the ribbon through the train of machines in a different way (FIG. 1e The ribbon emerging from the embroidering machine 1 can, for example, be stored for a period in a storage device 2, the ribbon being then cut off at a transfer feeder l8 situated between the embroidering machine and the storage device 2. When this has been done the storage device 2 contains a definite, comparatively long length of embroidered ribbon, containing a definite number of embroidered ribbon fields. Subsequently this stored length of embroidered can be fed intermittently through the downstream train of machines, or through a group of downstream machines. In this mode of operation, the embroidering machine, with its storage device 2, is preferably controlled by a master punched card, the downstream machines being controlled by replica punched cards. This allows a single type of punched card to be used for controlling the entire system of machines. The same requirement prevails when operating by this mode, in which the downstream machines operate, taking embroidered ribbon from storage while the embroidering machine itself is at a standstill, or is operating independently. The requirement remains that in all the downstream machines the embroidered ribbon fields must be positioned simultaneously, each field being positioned in accurate register with the particular processing machine.

To obtain this precise simultaneous positioning of the embroidered ribbon fields in all the downstream machines, the ribbon is stiffened at 9 (FIG. 1a by mean of a spray, before it enters the embroidering machine. Furthermore, the embroidered ribbon being conveyed through the processing machines is held taut laterally, i.e., across its width, by needle clamps 15 at each side, the needle clamps 15 being attached to conveying chains 16 running parallel with the sides of the ribbon (FIGS. la to 1d and 1f The stiffening size applied by spraying largely prevents longitudinal distortion of the ribbon which the embroidering process tends to produce. The stiffening size, together with the tightening action of the needle clamps l5, largely prevent thedistortions which the embroidering and other operations tend to produce in the ribbon.

A further means provided for preventing distortion of the ribbon during the processing of the fields by the various machines consists in that each machine is equipped with two grippers, one for the leading edge and one for the trailing edge of the field, the grippers being arranged to tighten the material in the longitudinal direction. The grippers are in the form of needleclaw rollers of the kind which have been disclosed in detail in my copending application Ser. No. 64,690, filed Aug. 18, I970 Each needle-claw gripper holds the ribbon taut by means of needle-like hooks.

This combination of acting grippers and size-stiffening of the material reliably prevents distortion of the ribbon in the embroidered fields, which may be caused by inaccurate adjustment of the embroidering machine.

The transfer feeders l8, interposed between all or certain successive machines in the machine train of FIG. le provide a number of important advantages.

The transfer feeders, in the first place, allow the train of machines to be modified by cutting-out and cuttingin machines to suit the particular requirements, the entire train of machines, once assembled, functioning as a unit. When the train of machines is in operation, each transfer feeder 18 has the function of feeding the ribbon in a constantly taut condition to the next downstream machine, so that the ribbon remains taut all the way through the machine train.

Two alternative modes can be used for feeding the ribbon from one machine to the next. In one mode (FIGS. la to 1d the conveying chains 16 serving all machines, form a single pair of endless conveying chains extending all the way through the train of machines, with the active or feed run of one chain 16 I being shown in full-line, and its idle or return run being shown in dot-and-dash lines. The conveying chains 16 pass over sprockets, some of which are idlers and others are driven by a power drive under proper control, with some sprockets being arranged in devices 8 for cross-over of the chains between certain machines (FIGS. 1a to 1d The long conveying chains formed in this manner convey the ribbon through all the machines in succession without any change in the position of the ribbon relative to the conveying chain.

According to the second mode (FIG. 1e each machine, or a group'of machines, has its own endless conveying chains. Thus in the machine train of FIG. 1e, which may be the same machine train as in FIGS. to 1d the embroidering machine 1 has its own endless conveyor chains 16a the storage device or machine 2 has its own endless conveying chains 16b in this instance the drilling and punching machine 3' .and the succeeding dressing and etching machines 12' and 13' have their own pair of endless conveying chains 16c and the remaining machines, which may be the same as those in the machinetrain of FIGS. 1a to 1d may have .their separatepairs of endless conveying chains. Each device2 is in this example disconnected from itspower drive and, hence, idle, while the second transfer feeder succeedingtransfer feeders, are connected with their respective power drives, meaning that the embroidering machine 1' is either idle or operating independently of the succeeding machines and is also disconnected from the storage device 2, while the succeeding machines are operative and intermittently supplied with embroidered ribbon fields from the storage device 2. Of course, the power drives of the transfer feeders 18, starting with the-one between the storage device 2 and thedrilling and punching machine 3 are then all synchronized with the sprocket drives of the pairs of endless conveyor chains 16b, 16c and so on.

In the present example (FIG. Ie), the ribbon passing through the embroidering machine 1' is shown in heavier line than the part of the conveyor chain 16a which does not hold and transport ribbon. Also, the continuous ribbon stored in the storage device 2 and passing through the succeeding machines is shown in heavier line than the parts'of the endless conveyor chains 16b, 16c and so on, which do not hold and transport ribbon.

To supply the storage device 2 with a multiplicity of embroid red ribbon fields, the transfer feeder 18 between the storage device 2 and drilling and punching machine 3' is inactivated, and the transfer feeder 18 between the embroidering machine 1' and storage device 2 is connected at the associated coupling 24 with its power drive which, of course, operates in synchronism withthe sprocket drive of the conveyor chains 16a of the embroidering machine I, with the sprocket drive of the conveying chains 16b of the storage device 2 being then also controlled to operate in synchronism with the conveying chains 16a of the embroidering machine. For storage of a relatively large number of embroidered ribbon fields in the storage device 2, the conveying chains 16b therein are over the greater part of their lengths arranged in successive '18 between the conveying chains 16b and 16c, and all stream chain and apply it to the needle clamps on the next downstream chain. Furthermore, each transfer feeder hasto run at precise synchronous speed with the chains of the next upstream and downstream machines.

A further function of the transfer feeders 18 is to correlate two separate and successive ribbons of material, so that desired lengths of ribbon can be stored in the storage device, each length of ribbon being then conveyed through the particular intended assembly of processing machines.

A particular advantage obtained is that the embroidering machine, which operates comparatively slowly, can if desired be left running without interruption for 24 hours a day, feeding embroidered ribbon to the storage device 2. The stored embroidered ribbon fields can then be processed bythe desired combinations of other machines, independently of the embroidering machine.

It should be noted that whereas the embroidering machine operates intermittently and slowly,,some of the other machines have the special requirement that theribbon must be fed through them comparatively rapidly, to prevent the formation of undesired deposits. The transfer feeders can be operated to providethe desired difference inconveying speeds.

The transfer feeders allow the ribbon of material to be transferred in the desired manner between the storage device and succeeding processing machines.

FIG. 2 illustrates automatic cutting-out'of shaped pieces from the ribbon of material, showing in particular right hand and left hand bust parts of an undergarment. The ribbon field is stretched in known manner by needle clamps, whereupon a punched card is inserted in the cutting machine. The moving frame of the machine moves the ribbon field in such a way that the cutter machine cuts the shaped parts out as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2, v

- FIG. 3 shows embroidered bust parts of a ladys undergarment ready for cutting out by the cutting machine. 7

In some cases it is not necessary to provide an embroidered outline on the ribbon. In these cases, the shaped parts are cut out by the cutting machine along the markedoutlines.

On the other hand, in certain cases an embroidered outline must be provided on the ribbon by the embroidering machine. The embroidered outline can itself be decorative, or it can be used as an outline for mechanically guiding in known manner a cutting machine equipped with special knives, with the thick edging threads deflecting the knives, which results in clean cutting of the outline following the edge line. This allows an embroidered outline to serve not only as a decoration but also as a guide in cutting and tailoring operations.

What is claimed is:

l. A machine installation for forming on each of identical successive fields of a continuous flexible longitudinal ribbon complemental parts of decorative patterns, comprising an embroidery machine operative to produce on a ribbon field in register therewith embroidered parts of said patterns; other machines operative to produce on ribbon fields in register therewith other parts, respectively, of said patterns, with said machines being arranged in succession starting with said embroiderymachine; endless conveyor chains having elements for releasably holding longitudinally and transversely extended ribbon at its opposite side margins, and being guided over sprockets so as to extend in a path past said embroidery machine to and past the succeeding machines and back to said embroidery machine, with said chains on their travel past said machines carrying a ribbon field thereon into and beyond register with the respective machines; and a power drive, including a control operable to connect said drive with, and disconnect it from, certain of said sprockets which, when driven, drive said conveyor chains in a direction to pass ribbon thereon past said successive machines starting with said embroidery machine, with said chains being coordinated with said machines so that one of said ribbon fields is in register with each machine succeeding said embroidery machine when one of said ribbon fields is in register with the latter so that the parts of each pattern produced by said machines will be complemental to each other, and said chains being, on each register of ribbon fields with the respective machines, stopped by operation of said control.

2. A machine installation as in claim 1, in which the last machine in said succession is a cutting machine operative to cut the decorative patterns from a registering ribbon field.

3. A machine installation as in claim 1, in which said embroidery machine is devoid of ribbon drilling and punching provisions, and one of the other machines is a ribbon drilling and punching machine.

4. A machine installation as in claim 1, in which said machines other than said embroidery machine include a ribbon drilling and punching machine, a ribbon dressing and coloring machine, a ribbon printing machine, and a ribbon cutting machine.

5. A machine installation as in claim 4, in which said other machines further include a machine for applying ribbon-backing material.

6. A machine installation as in claim 4, in which said other machines further include a ribbon etching machine.

7. A machine installation for forming on each of identical successive fields of a continuous flexible longitudinal ribbon complemental parts of decorative patterns in rows longitudinally and transversely of the ribbon field, comprising a plurality of machines arranged in series and each being operational to perform on a registering ribbon field, with said machines having operating cycles to produce different parts, respectively, of the patterns on registering ribbon fields, and the first machine in said series being an embroidery machine producing embroidered parts of the patterns; first and second endless conveyor chain means, of which said first chain means is operative between operating cycles of said first machine to step successive ribbon fields into register with said first machine, and said second chain means is operative between operating cycles of the machines succeeding said first machine to step successive ribbon fields into register with said succeeding machines; third endless conveyor chain means intermediate said first and second conveyor chain means, including a length for storage thereon of a plurality of ribbon fields, with said third c in rnea sbein selectivel o erative simult neousl w ith said first or second c om l eyor chains; first an second endless chain-type ribbon transfer devices between said first and third, and third and second, conveyor chain means, respectively; first control means for rendering said first device operative and inoperative, with said first device, when operative, operating simultaneously with said first and third conveyor chain means to transfer ribbon .from said first to said third conveyor chain means; and second control means rendering said second device operative and inoperative, with said second device, when operative, operating simultaneously with said third and second conveyor chain means to transfer ribbon from said third to said second conveyor chain means.

8. A machine installation as in claim 7, in which said succeeding machines include a ribbon dressing and coloring machine; a ribbon printing machine, and a ribbon cutting machine, the operating cycles'of said succeeding machines are of shorter duration than those of said embroidery machine, and said second conveyor chain means is operated more frequently than said first conveyor chain means over a given period of successive operating cycles of all of said machines.

9. A machine installation as in claim 8, in which said embroidery tool is devoid of ribbon drilling and punching provisions, and said succeeding machines further include a ribbon drilling and punching machine.

10. A machine installation as in claim 7, in which said first and third conveyor chain means each provide a pair of endless conveyor chains carrying alongside thereof elements-for releasably holding longitudinally extended ribbon at its opposite side margins and taut across its width, said second conveyor chain means provide opposite conveyor chains carrying alongside thereof elements for releasably holding longitudinally extended ribbon at its opposite side margins and taut across its width, and each of said first and second transfer devices provide a pair of endless conveyor chains carrying alongside thereof elements for releasably holding longitudinally extended ribbon at its opposite side margins and taut across its width.

11. A machine installation as in claim 10, in which said pair of chains of said third conveyor chain means extend over the greater part of their length in a plurality of loops for storage of a plurality of ribbon fields thereon. 

1. A machine installation for forming on each of identical successive fields of a continuous flexible longitudinal ribbon complemental parts of decorative patterns, comprising an embroidery machine operative to produce on a ribbon field in register therewith embroidered parts of said patterns; other machines operative to produce on ribbon fields in register therewith other parts, respectively, of said patterns, with said machines being arranged in succession starting with said embroidery machine; endless conveyor chains having elements for releasably holding longitudinally and transversely extended ribbon at its opposite side margins, and being guided over sprockets so as to extend in a path past said embroidery machine to and past the succeeding machines and back to said embroidery machine, with said chains on their travel past said machines carrying a ribbon field thereon into and beyond register with the respective machines; and a power drive, including a control operable to connect said drive with, and disconnect it from, certain of said sprockets which, when driven, drive said conveyor chains in a direction to pass ribbon thereon past said successive machines starting with said embroidery machine, with said chains being coordinated with said machines so that one of said ribbon fields is in register with each machine succeeding said embroidery machine when one of said ribbon fields is in register with the latter so that the parts of each pattern produced by said machines will be complemental to each other, and said chains being, on each register of ribbon fields with the respective machines, stopped by operation of said control.
 2. A machine installation as in claim 1, in which the last machine in sAid succession is a cutting machine operative to cut the decorative patterns from a registering ribbon field.
 3. A machine installation as in claim 1, in which said embroidery machine is devoid of ribbon drilling and punching provisions, and one of the other machines is a ribbon drilling and punching machine.
 4. A machine installation as in claim 1, in which said machines other than said embroidery machine include a ribbon drilling and punching machine, a ribbon dressing and coloring machine, a ribbon printing machine, and a ribbon cutting machine.
 5. A machine installation as in claim 4, in which said other machines further include a machine for applying ribbon-backing material.
 6. A machine installation as in claim 4, in which said other machines further include a ribbon etching machine.
 7. A machine installation for forming on each of identical successive fields of a continuous flexible longitudinal ribbon complemental parts of decorative patterns in rows longitudinally and transversely of the ribbon field, comprising a plurality of machines arranged in series and each being operational to perform on a registering ribbon field, with said machines having operating cycles to produce different parts, respectively, of the patterns on registering ribbon fields, and the first machine in said series being an embroidery machine producing embroidered parts of the patterns; first and second endless conveyor chain means, of which said first chain means is operative between operating cycles of said first machine to step successive ribbon fields into register with said first machine, and said second chain means is operative between operating cycles of the machines succeeding said first machine to step successive ribbon fields into register with said succeeding machines; third endless conveyor chain means intermediate said first and second conveyor chain means, including a length for storage thereon of a plurality of ribbon fields, with said third chain means being selectively operative simultaneously with said first or second conveyor chains; first and second endless chain-type ribbon transfer devices between said first and third, and third and second, conveyor chain means, respectively; first control means for rendering said first device operative and inoperative, with said first device, when operative, operating simultaneously with said first and third conveyor chain means to transfer ribbon from said first to said third conveyor chain means; and second control means rendering said second device operative and inoperative, with said second device, when operative, operating simultaneously with said third and second conveyor chain means to transfer ribbon from said third to said second conveyor chain means.
 8. A machine installation as in claim 7, in which said succeeding machines include a ribbon dressing and coloring machine; a ribbon printing machine, and a ribbon cutting machine, the operating cycles of said succeeding machines are of shorter duration than those of said embroidery machine, and said second conveyor chain means is operated more frequently than said first conveyor chain means over a given period of successive operating cycles of all of said machines.
 9. A machine installation as in claim 8, in which said embroidery tool is devoid of ribbon drilling and punching provisions, and said succeeding machines further include a ribbon drilling and punching machine.
 10. A machine installation as in claim 7, in which said first and third conveyor chain means each provide a pair of endless conveyor chains carrying alongside thereof elements for releasably holding longitudinally extended ribbon at its opposite side margins and taut across its width, said second conveyor chain means provide opposite conveyor chains carrying alongside thereof elements for releasably holding longitudinally extended ribbon at its opposite side margins and taut across its width, and each of said first and second transfer devices provide a pair of endless conveyor chains carrying alongsIde thereof elements for releasably holding longitudinally extended ribbon at its opposite side margins and taut across its width.
 11. A machine installation as in claim 10, in which said pair of chains of said third conveyor chain means extend over the greater part of their length in a plurality of loops for storage of a plurality of ribbon fields thereon. 